"We are so grateful to the patrons, sponsors and supporters who enable us to reach more students and families with our award-winning programs, said Robyn Hussa, MFA, E-RYT, founder and CEO, NORMAL nonprofit. "Timberline Knolls has demonstrated ongoing support of our mission and their decision to sponsor us at this level is of great assistance as we continue to grow our organization. We are trying to raise funds to do many things this year -- to create two film projects: one about weight stigma which we are partnering with the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) and the Binge Eating Disorders Association (BEDA) organization, and another to educate female athletes."

What began as an award-winning Off-Broadway musical (nor.mal), has become a series of programs and educational tools that have inspired youth and their families to seek treatment for eating disorders and to break the shame that surrounds mental health issues.

Aside from delivering the live theatrical program, NORMAL's programming has expanded to include the following programs and events: providing teaching materials; seminars to schools and universities; workshops on meditation and mindfulness to patients in recovery from eating disorders, teachers and clinicians; community programs like INSIDE OUT and SELF ESTEEM STOMP; and providing virtual/online resources and programming, including blogs, online films and curricula. In addition, the newest element of programming involves providing free DVDs, curriculum materials and seminars to more than 20 other nonprofit organizations.

"We continue to be impressed with the incredible outreach NORMAL is doing in the education of eating disorders, body image and self-esteem," said James Gresham, chairman and CEO of Timberline Knolls. "Our goal is very much in line with NORMAL's in providing healthy coping skills for those struggling with these serious disorders."

To reinforce NORMAL's cutting edge initiatives in education, the organization has begun working alongside leading researchers in the field of eating disorders, body image, triad prevention, nutrition, public health, as well as with leading coaches and athletes. NORMAL will be developing a robust program to train athletic coaches to carry out this program, which will include:

Evidence-based research and strategy

Inter-active educational materials (apps and other digital media)

Content for families, athletes, coaches and trainers

Mindfulness and meditation exercises

Yoga training for athletes

Lessons to increase body image

About Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment CenterTimberline Knolls is a leading private residential treatment center for women and adolescent girls (ages 12 – 65+) with eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma, mood and co-occurring disorders. Located in suburban Chicago, residents receive excellent clinical care from a highly trained professional staff on a picturesque 43-acre wooded campus. Women and families seeking Christian treatment can opt for specialized Christian-based therapy. For more information on Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, call us at 877.257.9611. We are also on Facebook – Timberline Knolls, and LinkedIn – Timberline Knolls.